Subscribe to our free social sector news and jobs services!

Stay informed with Australia's number 1 resource for the social sector.

Breaking national NFP news

Jobs and career opportunities

Conferences and events from across Australia

Plus: Sign up today and receive a FREE copy of our Executive Webinar: Government Relations for Not for Profits - A Tactical Approach.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address*

Post Code*

Subscribe to our email bulletins:Pro Bono News | Social sector news bulletin. Sent every Tuesday and Thursday morning.Pro Bono News | Good Business edition. Sent on the first Wednesday of every month.Pro Bono Careers | Purpose-driven job alerts & career news. Sent every Monday morning.Pro Bono Resources | Sector specific professional tools & webinar updates. Sent once a week.Subscriber Offers | Exclusive sector content from our supporting partners. Sent once a month.

Australians With Disability Twice as Likely to be Evicted Without CauseWednesday, 5th December 2018 at 5:29 pm

People with disability who rent are almost twice as likely to experience a “no-grounds” eviction compared with other Australians, new research shows.

A report by Choice, National Shelter and the National Association of Tenant Organisations (NATO) examined the consumer experience of renting in Australia, and found renters with disability faced a range of barriers that prevented them getting into or staying securely in rental accommodation.

This included difficulties getting timely repairs, facing additional expenses when moving in and out, and people with disability were also almost 2.5 times more likely to experience issues with home inspections from their landlord than other renters.

A survey of 1,547 renters revealed 16 per cent of people with disability have been served with a no-grounds eviction, compared with nine per cent for rest of those who rent.

Thomas, a 51-year-old renter on a disability support pension, shared his story in the report. He said he currently had a hole in his bathroom ceiling where rain gets in that hasn’t been repaired for six years.

“The ceiling is mouldy, which they say is my responsibility. I complained of a hot water system leak, which they left until the floor swelled and the tiles broke and the cupboards softened,” Thomas said.

“I had to stay at a friend’s for two months while they repaired the kitchen. At a previous flat, termite damage was unrepaired for over a year, and then the rent was raised. When I complained I was evicted with 6 weeks notice.”

Choice, National Shelter, NATO have called for no-grounds evictions to be banned across Australia, and for a national coordinated approach to rental standards.

“Under the Australian Consumer Law, Australians know that if we have a problem with something we buy, then we have the right to a repair, refund, or replacement. But when it comes to getting the most basic of our needs – shelter – Australians live in fear,” Erin Turner, the director of campaigns and communications at Choice said.

“It’s time for consistent and fair laws that guarantee every Australian has a safe, secure and affordable home.”

My #RentInOz experiences include having to pay for removalists after a no-grounds eviction – my disability means I can't do much of this myself.

I also got needed home modifications knocked back which would have made my home more accessible. This happens far too often.

The report also highlighted the difficulties people with disability faced when moving.

Almost six in ten (58 per cent) people with disability said they had to pay for removalists when they last moved properties, compared to 46 per cent of other people who rent.

Overall, 92 per cent of people with disability expressed a concern about the stress caused by effort of moving.

Dean Price, a senior policy officer at People with Disability Australia (PWDA), said these figures mirrored experiences they have heard.

He said the report clearly showed people with disability in Australia needed rental reform to feel secure in their homes.

“People with disability who live in private rental are faced with discrimination and the threat of losing their home. They fear no grounds evictions with good reason – this report shows that this is more likely to happen to people with disability,” Price said.

“This fear means they can find it hard to ask for essential repairs, adequate heating, cooling or action on mould.”

With 17 per cent of people with disability living in poverty, the insecure nature of renting created huge problems for them, Price added.

Turner said Australians had stronger consumer protections when they bought something from their local supermarket than when it came to renting a home.

She said people with disability especially needed stronger consumer protections.

“There are good landlords who are kind, compassionate and accommodating for people with disabilities – let’s make that the standard,” Turner said.

Got a story to share?

Got a news tip or article idea for Pro Bono News? Or perhaps you would like to write an article and join a growing community of sector leaders sharing their thoughts and analysis with Pro Bono News readers?

One Comment

I have just moved into a home with NO COOLING except for a ceiling fan in the lounge room and the master bedroom. I have three steps up to the front door with NO RAILING for me to get in the front door I have asked the real estate whether they can do a repair to put one in. but they said NO it would be up to me to pay for it. I have already had one fall cause my walking is unstable. I need that rail to get up the stairs so what can I do about it, I also have no rail near the toilet or the shower. I need to put them in myself at my expense but Im only on the Disability support Pension and cant afford it. PLEASE HELP ON THIS ISSUE.